USW: America Invents Act Advocates Good Jobs, Patent Reform

Contact:   Gary Hubbard, 202-778-4384; 202-256-8125; ghubbard@usw.org

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 16)  — Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement today in advance of  President Obama signing into law the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (H.R. 1249)  passed by both houses of Congress.  

“During the past four years, the USW has been representing the interest of American workers in the patent reform legislation under consideration by Congress. President Obama’s signature will help insure that the U.S. patent system can continue to promote the economic growth and jobs that come from innovation.

“The USW sought strong protection for intellectual property as key to good jobs in this country.   America is the world’s best innovator, but if our system of intellectual property protection doesn’t encourage a commitment in research and development, then our domestic companies won’t make the investments in plant, equipment and job creation that will sustain economic growth, and put Americans back to work.  

“The U.S. manufacturing sector files the vast majority of the world’s patent applications, but our success is under attack by other nations as well as by global companies who want to profit at our expense. Enforceable patent protection is an important policy tool necessary to ensure manufacturing success.

“Today’s bill signing represents an important step, but much more needs to be done to revitalize manufacturing and create good paying jobs. Congress should immediately get to work on the President’s jobs plan as the next step, and then develop a long-term plan to invest in our economy and put Americans back to work.”

A summary of the American Invents Act can be found here.  The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (H.R. 1249) was passed by the House in June and the Senate in September.

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